Secondary Packaging as Display Shelf

Don’t get the wrong idea. I am not promoting the consumption of instant noodles. I posted it because of the instruction embedded on the box side. It literally shows if the box is cut along the dotted lines, it can be used as display dispenser box.
Food commodities are usually package within two containers. Primary and secondary. The first is in direct contact with food. Providing protection against external air, dirt, light and microorganisms that may render it unfit for human consumption. Sometimes it has the ability to shield against physical damage. One example of this is modified air (usually CO2) injected to cracker packages. It serve as cushion, preventing breakage due to dents and drops.
On the other hand, the secondary container is meant to group several primary packs together. Doing so makes handling, transport and stacking easier. It is obvious, a worker can usually carry a packs of 10 to 50 in one lifting (depends on commodity type, of course). Boxes could be stacked several feet high, which I could never imagine possible with single small sachets.
Secondary package also gives first layer of protection. Accidental water spill will first damage the outer and takes some time to reach the inner area. Rodents will have to chew the carton first before opening any primary pack. Can absorb minor forces like dents and knocks.
Sometimes manufacturers became little creative by making the secondary package as display shelf. If you are the man buying groceries, you’ll surely notice how the staff awfully arrange most of irregularly shaped goods. The likes of crackers, sugar, breads and sweets. More often than not, disorderliness makes them unappealing.
Their corrugated carton or hard cardboard have easy to cut out dotted lines and clear instructions. With the merchandiser following direction, the product will have its own neat shelf. Beautifully arranged and pleasing to customer eyes.

Marvin is the lead chocolate maker of Ben and Lyn Chocolate Inc. Has strong background in food research and development. Occasionally conducts training and lectures. Lecturer of Cocoa Foundation of the Philippines. Do coaching and consultancy services on his free time.